Hokkaido (Hokkaido)

Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan. Hokkaido is full of nature, including world natural heritage site Shiretoko Peninsula, having abundant wildlife of both plants and animals. It’s also famous for fresh seafood including crabs and sea urchins, with many domestic and international tourists visiting the area. In Winter, ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano are crowded by skiers from all over the world seeking powder snow.

Tohoku (Tohoku)

Tohoku region is located on the northern part of Honshu, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Tohoku is famous for beautiful coastlines such as Sanriku coast and Matsushima, and also for its fresh seafood. Hot spring of Tohoku have been health and healing sanitariums for decades, and the rustic hot springs are still very popular. The golden hall of Chusonji in Hiraizumi (a wealthy town 1000years ago) is a masterpiece.

Kanto (Kanto)

Kanto region has Japan’s capital city of Tokyo with a population of over 10 million. It’s surrounded by large cities such as Yokohama and is the most developed region within the country. It has a mix of modern commercial districts such as Shibuya and Roppongi as well as downtown areas of Asakusa. Historical structures of Nikko and spectacular scenery of Mt Fuji from Hakone provides a variety of places to be enjoyed by tourists.

Chubu (Chubu)

Chubu is located in the centre of Japan. A large part of this area is covered by mountains as high as 3000 meters and due to this mountainous landscape, it’s also called the “Japan Alps”. Jigokudani Onsen where the snow monkeys bath in hot springs, the historical streets of Kanazawa and Takayama are all part of the Chubu region.

Kansai (Kansai)

Kansai region includes Kyoto, the most popular tourist destination of Japan. Kyoto was the former capital of Japan, and its history and culture, temples and shrines, and traditional buildings attract both domestic and international tourists. The autumn colors of Kyoto are absolutely amazing. Osaka, the second largest city of Japan is also located in Kinki, and has become the entry point for foreign tourists into Japan alongside Tokyo.

Chugoku (Chugoku)

Chugoku region is located on the western part of Honshu. A popular tourist destination is Hiroshima. Hiroshima is famous for Itsukushima Shrine and floating Torii gates of Miyajima, as well as the A-bomb dome, Peace Park and Museum. One of the highest ranking shrines in Japan - Izumo Taisha, the picturesque town of Kurashiki, and the limestone cave of Akiyoshido are all part of Chugoku region.

Shikoku (Shikoku)

Shikoku consists of as four prefectures and is one of the four islands that make up Japan. Shikoku is famous for the Shimanami Kaido that allows bicycle access across islands of the Seto inlet, the whirl pools of Naruto and Kagawa’s famous shrine, Kotohiragu. In recent years, the pilgrim journey (Ohenro) around the 88 temples scattered across Shikoku has become a popular activity for international travelers.

Kyushu & Okinawa (Kyushu & Okinawa)

Kyushu region is the far west island and its surrounding islands including Okinawa. Kyushu has many places to visit including the largest city Fukuoka, one of the best hotsprings of Japan - Beppu Onsen, and the impressive black colored Kumamoto Castle. Okinawa has the blue sea and colorful coral reefs with a variety of marine life to enjoy.

Satsuki and Meis house

Satsuki and Meis house

What is Satsuki and Mei’s house

Satsuki and Mei’s house which appeared in the Ghibli movie "My Neighbor Totoro" has been recreated for fans to visit. It is located in Aichi Prefecture, Nagakute-shi, Yazagosagamine area’s Ai-chikyuhaku Kinen-koen Park, and was the most popular pavilion exhibits at the 2005 Aichi World Expo. Here you can time slip to the nostalgic atmosphere of 1955 to 1964. A two-storied western-style structure was built as an annex to a traditional Japanese-style house. It was built using techniques and constructional elements of the era (1955 to 1964). The tiles were hand baked one by one. The roughness and unevenness in color of the tiles make them appear to have lasted through the ages. Where in a traditional house one would find a family crest, the character "To" from "My Neighbor Totoro", can be found. Entrance time slots can be reserved at convenience stores such as Lawson or Mini Stop. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the reception office at Satsuki and Mei’s house. Tickets are good for a 30 minute viewing and are 510 yen each. Tickets for children under the middle school age are half priced. On weekdays, there are 8 viewings a day, on weekends, 14 viewings a day. The exhibition may change according to the season. Ai-chikyuhaku Kinen-koen park is vast. Satsuki and Mei’s house is a 20 minute walk from the North Entrance of the park and a 10 minute walk from the West Entrance of the park. Allow enough time to walk through the park and arrive at the facility.

Access

Public transportation is the easiest way to access Satsuki and Mel’s house. Get off at the Ai-chikyuhaku Kinen-koen Station on the Tobu Kyuryo Line Linimo. The first station of the Linimo, Fujigaoka Station, is accessible from and is coordinated with the subway’s Higashiyama Line. You can also transfer to the Linimo from the JR Chuo Line’s Chikusa Station or Kozoji Station.